Ghosts and goblins, and maybe a few princesses, are expected to roam the streets of Shelby County this weekend as the young and young at heart take part in Halloween and fall festivities.

Susan Conn of Main Street Florist in Columbiana organizes the town’s Monster Walk each year for the Columbiana Business and Professionals Association.

“It’s just a safe place for parents to take their kids. They aren’t going door–to–door; everybody knows who’s giving out the candy,” Conn said.

The town blocks off Main Street just shy of 4 p.m. so kids in costumes can stroll down the street trick–or—treating. A variety of businesses participate giving candy, while the Shelby County Reporter takes pictures for families.

The University of Montevallo began its own tradition two years ago. This year’s Spooks in the Stacks event is set to take place Oct. 30 from 7–9 p.m.

“We found last year’s event to be a real draw for the entire community,” said Kathy Lowe, reference librarian and organizer of Spooks in the Stacks. “We encourage people of all ages to come to campus and experience some of Montevallo’s great fall traditions.”

Birmingham Paranormal will be on hand to play recordings of the paranormal activity they’ve documented in the university’s historic buildings. Walking tours of the campus will be available and the library will conduct a costume contest with prizes.

Montevallo’s “Hometown Halloween” will also include trick–or–treating at 3 p.m., “Spooky Tales” with Mr. Mac at 4:30 at Parnell Library and frightening storytelling at UM’s Carmichael Library beginning at 7 p.m.

Other events around the county include:

Columbiana First Baptist will host a Family Fun Fest following Monster Walk. The event will run from 5–6:30 p.m. and include games, a hot dog and chili supper, door–prizes and of course, candy.

The city of Hoover also invites families out to its Hayride and Family Night Friday, Oct. 30 from 6–9 p.m. at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road. This free family-friendly event will feature a hayride around the park, Hocus Pocus and Casper movies on the big screen, a free hot dog dinner and candy compliments of Costco.

The Shelby Volunteer Fire Department will hold its annual Fall Festival at the Shelby Iron Park on Oct. 31, from 5-9 p.m. The fire dept, local churches and businesses will provide free games, prizes, inflatables and candy. Info: Angie Jones, 434-3305.

Pump It Up’s first Pumpkin Jump will be Saturday, Oct. 31 from 2-5 p.m. There will be jumping, face painting, paint-a-pumpkin craft time, and a special deluxe goody bag for each child. Info: pumpitupparty.com

Daystar Worship Center, located at 5100 Cahaba Valley Road in Birmingham, will host its annual fall festival Oct. 31 from 5-9 p.m.

The event will include food, games, music and competitions for Wii, Xbox, Playstation, jump rope and hula-hoop. There will also be karaoke, face painting and other games. Door prizes will be drawn at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

For more information, call 585-7669.

Chelsea Church of God, 2020 Shelby County 39, Chelsea, will hold their annual fall festival, Oct. 31, 8 a.m.–noon.

It will feature baked goods, theme gift baskets, smoked Boston Butts and more. A country breakfast will be served until 10:30 a.m.

The Pelham Church of God, 2100 Shelby County 52 East, will host their annual fall festival Oct. 31 from 4-6 p.m.

There will be games, hot dogs, cotton candy, pony rides, nachos, clowns, cakewalk and lots of candy. For more information, call 664-0120 or 789-7306.

Chelsea Community Church is hosting The Haunting Truth Oct. 29–31. The drama will be performed every 20-30 minutes from 6 p.m.–midnight.

Liberty Baptist Church in Chelsea will hold a Trunk–or–Treat event Oct. 31 from 4–6 p.m. It will include a hayride, pumpkin patch, family activities, hotdog supper and candy.